Most of Belgium Placed Under Orange Heat Alert as Temperatures Near 37°C Before Storms
Belgium's Royal Meteorological Institute has placed the majority of the country under an orange alert as temperatures climb toward 37°C, with thunderstorms expected to break the heat, according to Le Soir.
In 30 seconds
- Most of Belgium was placed under an orange weather alert, the second-highest tier issued by the Royal Meteorological Institute.
- Temperatures were forecast to approach 37°C, well above the Belgian summer norm.
- Thunderstorms were expected to follow the heat peak, and were cited as the trigger for the alert, according to Le Soir.
- Orange signals dangerous conditions likely to disrupt daily life, one level below red.
Belgium's Royal Meteorological Institute (IRM in French, KMI in Dutch) issues colour-coded weather warnings — yellow, orange and red — for hazards including heat, storms, rain and wind. An orange alert is the second-highest tier, signalling dangerous conditions likely to disrupt normal activity. In this case the institute placed most of the country under orange as temperatures approached 37°C ahead of an incoming line of thunderstorms.
Background
Belgium has recorded a run of intense summer heat episodes in recent years, with the national record temperature set during the July 2019 heatwave. Meteorologists across Europe have documented that heatwaves in the Low Countries are becoming more frequent and more severe, and that such spells increasingly end in abrupt, storm-driven breaks rather than a gradual cooling.
What to do
Check IRM live bulletins before travelling, secure loose outdoor items ahead of the gusts, stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure during the heat peak, and follow guidance for vulnerable people until the storms clear.
The Belgian angle
The alert spans most of Belgium rather than a single region, so Flanders, Wallonia and the Brussels-Capital Region are all exposed. Dense urban areas such as Brussels retain heat overnight, intensifying discomfort, while low-lying and poorly drained districts face the greatest risk of localised flooding when the storms arrive.
EvidenceDeveloping · 2 sources · some details remain unconfirmedExplore evidence →Hide evidence ↑
- Publication date unavailable
- Retrieved by ODIN:
- 4 Aug 2026
- Publication date unavailable
- Retrieved by ODIN:
- 4 Aug 2026
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